THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This psalm praises the mercies of God that we have personally experienced, making it particularly delightful for those who have encountered them. It’s challenging for anyone to appreciate the messages contained within this psalm unless they have learned through personal experience. However, this psalm was not intended for just a few individuals but for the entire community of the faithful, serving as a reflection for them to see themselves. Its title needs no further explanation, for it celebrates the phrase Hallelujah, repeated for emphasis. We traditionally sing this during specific occasions in our worship, aligned with the long-standing customs of the Church. The significance of our singing it on these occasions is deeply sacred. While we may sing Alleluia on designated days, it is in our thoughts daily, for if this expression signifies the praise of God, it resides not just in our spoken words but within our hearts. His praise is intended to be ever-present in our hearts. The repetition of Hallelujah in this psalm reflects a familiar thematic resonance, paralleling that of the first psalm. The psalm resonates with the voices of both ancient Israel and the global Church today. The dual occurrence of Alleluia may hold a profound significance as it echoes our calling to God as Abba, Father. Abba denotes our intimate relationship with the Father, and as the Apostle reminds us, it is through Him that we cry out (Romans 8:15), revealing our unified calling within the Cornerstone of faith, which binds us all together.
Let all proclaim to the Lord His sweetness, for you dwell in His mercy (Psalm 105:1). Acknowledge His sweetness; if you have tasted it, testify of it. But how can one confess what they have not experienced? If you have savored the sweetness of the Lord (1 Peter 2:3), then share that truth openly. His mercy is everlasting. The translation of 'and' in the text reflects the continuous nature of God's mercy, understood in the Greek as εἰς αἰῶνα. His mercy is not temporary but eternally sustained, aiming for humanity's salvation to dwell with the angels forever.
Let those redeemed by the Lord say so, those whom He has rescued from the hand of their oppressors (Psalm 105:2). The Israelites were indeed liberated from Egypt, escaping the clutches of slavery and grueling labor. Yet, we must examine whether those claiming to be redeemed truly understand their deliverance. They are not merely those who left Egypt but all whom He has redeemed. The Lord has gathered them from various lands; indeed, even Egypt contains many territories. From the east and west, from the north and sea (Psalm 105:3), we recognize that the redeemed encompass the entire globe. This people of God has been led miraculously through a Red Sea-like baptism, emerging victorious over their adversaries. Through the sacrament of baptism, sanctified by Christ’s blood, the sins of their Egyptian oppressors are washed away.
These events serve as a figure of our own journey, recorded for our benefit as we approach the conclusion of the ages (1 Corinthians 10:11). They wandered in the wilderness, parched and lost, longing for a settled place to call home (Psalms 105:4). Their experience was one of dismal roaming, enduring hunger and thirst, their spirits exhausted (Psalm 106:5). Yet, why did their spirits fail? This is not a reflection of divine cruelty but of God revealing Himself through our experiences, allowing our needs to draw us close, invoking His help and leading us to love Him. Thus, amid their wandering, hunger, and thirst, they cried out to the Lord in their troubles, and He rescued them from their afflictions (Psalm 105:6). What did He do to guide them during their journey? He led them along a straight path (Psalm 106:7). They did not find the way to the city, weary from hunger and thirst, yet He directed them rightly, allowing them to enter the city. While the specifics of how He satisfied their hunger and thirst are not detailed, we do expect to hear of His mercies and wonders bestowed upon humanity (Psalm 105:8). Those who have encountered these experiences should share this wisdom with those still wandering, those who are yet to seek the city or who remain burdened by want. He filled the empty soul and satisfied the hungry heart with good things (Psalm 105:9).
Those who dwell in darkness, under the shadow of death, find themselves oppressed and bound by despair (Psalm 105:10). Is it not because they lack the grace of God and have spurned His counsel? For the psalmist notes, they rebelled against His words, driven by pride (Psalm 105:11), ignorant of divine righteousness while attempting to establish their own (Romans 10:3). Their hearts grew weary under the burden of their labors (Psalm 105:12). In efforts against desire, if divine assistance is withdrawn, one may battle but cannot achieve true victory. Overcome by wickedness, the wearied heart may learn to cry out, O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? (Romans 7:24) Having received deliverance, one will testify to the Lord's mercy.
They cried out to the Lord in their turmoil, and He freed them from their distress (Psalm 105:13). They were rescued from profound trials. Although weariness lingers, remember what He accomplished for them: He brought them from the depths of darkness and the shadow of death, breaking their chains (Psalm 105:14). Let them proclaim the Lord’s mercies and His wonders toward humanity (Psalm 105:15). What were the challenges He overcame? He shattered the gates of bronze and snapped the bonds of iron (Psalm 105:16). He steered them away from iniquity, for their unrighteousness had brought them low (Psalm 105:17). Concerned with self-importance rather than acknowledging God, they were humbled because of their pride, finding themselves in need of divine strength.
Their souls loathed all nourishment (Psalm 105:18). They experienced the pitfall of excess, facing the danger of excess rather than deficiency. Be mindful: satiety can be as perilous as hunger. Observe that when He describes their distaste for nourishment, it emphasizes their perilous condition. They cried to the Lord amid their troubles, and He rescued them (Psalm 105:19). Discontent, akin to a sickness, prompted Him to send His Word and heal them (Psalm 106:20). This illustrates the peril of indulgence, rescuing those who mourn their attachment to pleasures. He sent His Word, restoring them—not merely from wandering, hunger, or sin's trials, but from moral degradation. To despise sweetness reflects a corruption of spirit. Therefore, for all His gifts, let them give thanks to the Lord for His mercies and wonders to the children of men (Psalm 105:21). Let them offer a sacrifice of praise (Psalm 105:22). May we enter into praise for the Lord’s sweetness, recounting His deeds with joy—not sorrow, anxiety, or disdain, but with rejoicing.
Those who sail the seas, undertaking their ventures through turbulent waters (Psalm 105:23), navigate the many nations symbolized by these waters. Biblical depictions affirm that waves represent the nations; thus, those who journey upon mighty seas witness the Lord’s wondrous deeds in the depths (Psalm 105:24). What depths could be greater than the human heart? Often, winds of strife stir up chaos, leading to inner turmoil. When asked for deliverance, God intervenes, and the storm’s fury subsides (Psalm 106:25). He quiets the tempest, and the waves settle. Consider the cry of the person at the helm—a voice of experience in peril, sharing of struggles in Asia that seemed overwhelming (2 Corinthians 1:8). They despaired of life itself; their wisdom rendered powerless.
And when the storm dissipated, joy returned, for He brought them to the haven they longed for (Psalm 105:30). Let all His mercies and miraculous works be acknowledged (Psalm 105:31). Across the board, let us not rely on our merits, strength, or wisdom but recognize His mercies. May we love Him in every deliverance, calling upon Him amid trials. Let them exalt Him in the congregation and praise Him among the elders (Psalm 106:32). All are invited to lift their voices in gratitude—nations, elders, merchants, and sailors alike. He has performed great deeds in this assembly, establishing its foundation through divine intervention. He opposed the pride of Judah, a nation marked by heritage and responsibility for the oracles of God (Romans 3:2). Their pride led not to soundness but to haughtiness, prompting God to bring low the proud while granting grace to the humble (James 4:6).
He caused rivers to become desolate (Psalm 105:33), leading to a drought of prophetic voices among the Jews. Where once there was a flow of God’s word, it ceased amidst their unfaithfulness. In their thirst, they long for guidance, yet the divine refreshment—faith, prophecy, and sacrifice—eludes them due to their wickedness. Witness how God opposes the proud and extends grace to the lowly, transforming harsh wilderness into pools of standing water and barren lands into flowing streams (Psalm 105:35).
The starving find sustenance (Psalm 105:36). This signifies the eternal priesthood established beyond the order of Aaron, a sacrifice of which none could provide among the Jews. Instead, such offerings are celebrated globally and committed to remembrance through the Church. The glorious name of the Lord is exalted from dawn to dusk. They sowed fields, planted vineyards, and reaped abundant harvests (Psalm 106:37). The laborer rejoices not for mere gifts, but for the fruitful benefits of their toil (Philippians 4:17). God blessed them, multiplying their numbers and livestock (Psalm 105:38). The foundation of God stands firm; He knows and accepts His own (2 Timothy 2:19). Those who traverse the Church, whether spiritually or materially, find blessings, even if less learned, but rich in faith. The humble find provision, while the proud are forsaken.
They became few and were afflicted (Psalm 105:39). This decline stems not from external forces but from within. They John reminds us, some forsook the truth because they were never of our fold (1 John 2:19). Addressing these groups, one can discern between true believers and those who merely appear outwardly faithful. They belong to God’s people in form but lack true virtue. As the Apostle warns, in the last days, selfishness will abound (2 Timothy 3:2). Those who love themselves become few, as pride leads to division and individualism.
When those turned outwards from unity, they suffered. Despite their bountiful numbers, they diminished in spirit. In their contempt, the nobles were scorned (Psalm 105:40), cast away by the Church. Their aspirations for power led to their ridicule. They ventured into paths devoid of light, lacking guidance to the celestial city, being misled by their own desires. The Lord surrendered them to the lusts of their hearts (Romans 1:24), as 'led astray' indicates betrayal to self.
Yet He aided the destitute from their plight (Psalm 105:41). The proud were neglected, but the humble received assistance. He transformed a solitary poor man into a multitude (Psalm 105:41). This implies that from one humble individual, a multitude arises—one family comprising many nations and churches. These notions are profound, revealing deep mysteries worth uncovering; the righteous delight in understanding them, while the transient nature of wickedness is silenced (Psalm 106:42).